Kankou Moussa struggles for recognition

Africa’s gold refining market, which has long been dominated by South Africa’s Rand Refinery, is starting to see new operators emerge, with first among them, the Kankou Moussa refinery in Mali. This pilot unit was inaugurated last January by the Swiss Bullion Co but not without a struggle. There are competing projects, notably one promoted by the DRA-F Scott grouping with backing from French businessman Michel Tomi. Africa Mining Intelligence examines Kankou Moussa’s long path towards certification of its gold ingots.

Swiss Bullion helps diggers to make less use of mercury

Kankou Moussa gold ingots waiting for green light from Diawara

The Kankou Moussa refinery, which began operating in January, is still waiting for an authorization to sell his 99.99%-pure ingots on the local market. The refinery, operated by the Swiss Bullion Company Group (Buochs), recently received technical certification as a [...]

Dario Littera defends his scheme for gold refinery

Gold refining war in Bamako

Launched over two years ago, the Kankou Moussa gold refinery project seems to no longer enjoy the backing of Mali’s government. Africa Mining Intelligence understands the authorities want a new consortium to take over. A selection panel set up by mines [...]

Kankou Moussa refinery seeks local partners

Shake-up in unrefined gold exports in 2015

Africa Mining Intelligence understands that Mali’s industry and mines minister, Boubou Cisse, is drafting an amendment to the mining code that will prove crucial to the future of Mali’s gold industry: a blanket ban on exporting unrefined gold. The ban [...]